When we hear adoptive/foster parents say that they have tried everything, and they are ready to give up, chances are they are dealing with trauma and attachment issues. These children who are afraid to trust can be some of the most difficult to understand and to parent, yet there are therapeutic parenting practices that will make a difference. Please join this interactive workshop to learn more about attachment and how to help your children by knowing how to parent them…

When parents discover their child has an FASD, they often receive well intended, but limited advice on “what to do.” FASD is complex and requires a more in-depth, multidimensional approach that maps out the “whole child” rather than focusing only on FASD. Most children with an FASD are experiencing the effects of sensory integration issues, trauma, attachment, adoption, or multiple foster care placements. Learn a simple process to understand FASD from a whole child concept; how some of the common…

Attention Parents and Adolescents 4Keeps is partnering with Researchers at innovation, Research & Training (iRT). We are looking for adolescents that have been diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or other disorders on the fetal alcohol spectrum (FASD) and their parents/caregivers to participate in a research study. The researchers are evaluating the AWARE Program, a new, online education program for adolescents that aims to provide youth with FASD with new ways to regulate their behaviors and feelings, make healthy choices, and prevent the use of alcohol or…

THE BIRDS, THE BEES AND ATTACHMENT! DO NOT GET STUNG! Why do our kids who are afraid to trust and love us, NEED/WANT sexual relationships? How about all the new terms: pansexual, gender fluidity, LGBTQ.N.O.P zhe/xem (gender neutral pronouns). Has worry and confusion set in? This discussion will explore ways we can help our children manage the minefields of adolescent and teen relationships. It is tricky business when we caregivers try to support our children without impacting the parent-child relationship. …

FASD AND THE “GREAT SCHOOL GAMBLE” You’ve Got to Know When to Hold ‘Em, Know When to Fold ‘Em Know When to Walk Away, Know When to Run We often feel like we are gambling with our kids, taking risky action in hope of a desired result, by sending them to school. So often they do not fit, have no friends and the school does not understand their disability. Parents are often frustrated as the they get yet another call…

This workshop explores the multiple layers of attachment, conflicting developmental tasks and the impacts of complex developmental trauma. Come discuss and explore the unique experiences going on in your home and learn ways to address through effective parenting. Learn how to guide and support kids who resist parental involvement; skills to expand your awareness and patience. Role play scenarios will be implemented with parent participation. PRESENTER: KRISTA NELSON, LICSW, LMFT Krista has been the Project Coordinator for the Wilder Center’s…

Feeling stressed? Traumatized? Impulsive? Easily triggered? Self-care in times of high stress is one of the most important things you can do for yourself as well as for those around you. If you haven’t taken care of yourself to feel grounded and calm, you won’t be of much value to your family, namely your children. This presentation will include how to find your triggers, the cost of caring, addressing external and self-imposed pressures, how to prevent and counteract stress and…

Real life, real parents, and real struggles. Raising an adopted child with a history of trauma and maltreatment can shatter the dreams you had for your family. Unmet expectations, unforeseen challenges, and a lack of support can lead you to feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, disappointed, and exhausted. If your adoption didn’t turn out the way you thought it would, this interactive presentation will validate your experience. Gain insight and practical coping strategies to restore hope to your parenting. MELISSA PETERSON is…

When parents discover their child has an FASD, they often receive well intended, but limited advice on “what to do.” FASD is a complex diagnosis and in many cases the child has also experienced trauma which changes the game. Learning to parent a child with FASD and Trauma can be frustrating and exhausting. This fun (yes, parenting can be fun), interactive session, will help attendees tap into their parenting strengths and learn how parenting responses can help or hinder successful…

A workshop that empowers parents/caregivers to connect with their children, share family values and engage in meaningful conversations about sex, sexuality and relationships. This will be a safe place to think about your role as your child’s sexuality educator. Learn about great resources related to sex, sexuality and relationships. This workshop will be a chance to ask key questions you may have about your adolescent’s development and to reflect on what role you want to play in supporting your child’s…